The Cherokee Nation honored hundreds of Native-owned businesses during the tribe’s annual TERO Certified Indian Owned Business Awards Banquet at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa.
The Cherokee Nation Tribal Employment Rights Office has approximately 720 Indian-owned companies and more than 100 artists that are TERO-certified vendors able to do business with the tribe and compete for government contracting jobs. In fiscal year 2019, TERO vendors earned around $80 million in contracts with the tribe.
During the banquet, the tribe also honored eight standout TERO businesses with awards.
“Our annual TERO banquet is just one way the Cherokee Nation is able to celebrate entrepreneurship,” said Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. “We work hard to support our TERO businesses and recognize them for what they do for our economy. We are thankful for what our 800-plus vendors and Cherokee artists do, which includes providing inspiration to other Cherokees who will someday do things such as operate a small business or lead a large corporation.”
Eight of the TERO-certified businesses received special recognition for their outstanding performance as part of the annual awards banquet.
The Harmony House of Muskogee, LLC., received the Women Owned Business of the Year Award. The restaurant is a lunch and bakery tea room and has been open for nearly 28 years.
“This is something that I never thought I would have this early in my life,” said Mandy Scott, The Harmony House owner. “It’s always been a dream of mine to have my own restaurant. I’ve always been very proud of my heritage, and proud of where I’ve come from. To be a woman and a minority in this time in the world, it’s amazing.”